SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - With the weather getting warmer and summer programs and events being scheduled, we’re getting answers on public safety after the Springfield Police Department announced its plans for the season. This comes after the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office announced budget cuts last month, eliminating dozens of jobs.

With the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office cutting back certain services last month, city officials are reassuring residents that public safety remains a top priority. The city said places like neighborhood parks will remain safe spaces this summer.

Western Mass News spoke with Springfield Police Department spokesperson Ryan Walsh. He told us that since 2020, the sheriff’s office has provided a daily presence at Forest Park. However, in years prior, that responsibility fell to the Springfield Police Department and now, they’ll be taking it back.

“We’re going to have our C-3 officers there we’re going to increase our bicycle patrols with our officers, were going to have our metro unit down there as well like our K9’s so there is going to be a significant Springfield police presence,” Walsh said officers from the metro unit will also continue to patrol and maintain a strong presence at Union Station.

As the weather warms up, Springfield Police said they’re expecting the return of illegal dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles on public roadways. Walsh said the department will once again activate anti-dirt bike patrols, with dedicated units enforcing traffic laws and cracking down on illegal street racing across the city.

Coming up tonight at 10 and 11 on Western Mass News, we’ll have more on the city’s summer safety plan, as well as hear from a local organization working to keep youth safe this summer.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.